Bali, Azores, and Zanzibar Prioritize Eco-Tourism: How Indonesia, Portugal, and Tanzania Are Shaping the Future of Luxury Travel

As the travel industry advances into 2025, the dialogue surrounding tourism is shifting from merely determining destinations to addressing how travelers engage with these locales. In response to the pressing challenges created by mass tourism, regions such as Bali, the Azores, and Zanzibar are spearheading a transformative movement towards sustainable luxury travel.

Bali: From Overtourism to Conscious Travel

Bali, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich spiritual heritage, attracts millions of international tourists every year. In 2023, over 5.2 million visitors descended upon the island, contributing to a staggering 1,200 tons of waste generated daily, with plastic pollution significantly threatening both beaches and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the competition for water resources has grown critical, pitting local agricultural needs against the luxurious demands of tourism.

In light of these environmental pressures, sustainable tourism is emerging as a vital strategy for the island’s longevity. Among the vanguards advocating for responsible travel is Desa Hay, a boutique hotel situated in Uluwatu that exemplifies the principles of eco-luxury. This Net Zero-inspired property harnesses 25% of its energy from solar panels and taps into its own water well, thus reducing reliance on public utilities. The villas employ environmentally conscious materials, and 100% of the food served is locally sourced, featuring an array of vegetarian and vegan options. Notably, the hotel has established a waste management system that repurposes 60% of its food waste into compost, demonstrating a dedication to a circular economy.

Another standout, Soori Bali, holds an EarthCheck certification and embraces bioclimatic architecture to optimize energy efficiency by increasing airflow and natural light. The hotel champions sustainable water management by avoiding groundwater extraction entirely and makes significant investments in local education, agriculture, and the preservation of religious traditions—underscoring a commitment to maintaining Bali’s cultural richness.

The Azores: Europe’s Natural Wonder Worth Preserving

The Azores, a serene archipelago in the Atlantic, showcases some of the cleanest air and waters in Europe and boasts a remarkable 60% of protected land. The allure of these islands remains strong; however, the threats posed by climate change and mass tourism are becoming increasingly apparent. Advocating for low-impact, community-focused travel is essential to ensure the survival of this ecological gem.

On São Miguel Island, the Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort has emerged as a hallmark of sustainable hospitality. Built with native materials such as bamboo and cryptomeria wood, the resort employs thermal insulation and solar heating to minimize its ecological footprint. Their operational practices include beach clean-ups, zero-waste initiatives, and a permaculture-based organic garden that supplies fresh produce to its restaurant.

Moreover, Hotel Verde Mar & Spa and Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa further set benchmarks in eco-friendly practices. Both resorts prioritize local employment, hiring 100% local staff, with impressive representation of women in leadership roles. By utilizing 25% renewable energy and engaging in rainwater harvesting, these properties exemplify commitment to sustainability, sourcing 70% of their produce from local suppliers while enforcing robust recycling programs.

Zanzibar: A Sustainable Vision for East Africa

Zanzibar, renowned for its idyllic turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, grapples with challenges from rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and overdevelopment. Following a 40% surge in tourism in 2023 compared to 2019, the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological preservation has become paramount.

Ycona Luxury Eco-Resort is at the forefront of this sustainable wave, aspiring to be East Africa’s first fully carbon-neutral hotel by 2027. Nestled within a diverse botanical garden, the resort carefully restricts its development footprint to just 40 villas to protect the surrounding ecosystem. Currently powered by solar energy and utilizing renewable cooling systems, Ycona champions local produce through its restaurant, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint while bolstering food security in the region.

Moreover, a commitment to community well-being is evident through the Ycona SDG Fund, which allocates a minimum of 5% of each booking toward educational programs, sustainable agriculture, and gender equality in Zanzibar. This model exemplifies how tourism can foster economic benefits while safeguarding natural cultural heritage.

The Best Kind of Travel: Powered by Ownia

Pioneering this sustainable movement is the Ownia Collection, a curated network of sustainable hotels redefining hospitality. Each property undergoes rigorous evaluation across twelve impact pillars aligned with global sustainability standards, thus ensuring that travelers make environmentally responsible choices. Beyond being merely a booking platform, Ownia embodies a mission focused on the principles of trust, transparency, and transformation.

As overtourism continues to threaten some of the most treasured destinations globally, the stories unfolding in Bali, the Azores, and Zanzibar illustrate a path forward. By prioritizing environmental stewardship and cultural integrity, these regions are not only enhancing the luxury travel experience but also championing a sustainable future for tourism. Travelers increasingly have the opportunity to enjoy and support these destinations in a manner that positively influences both their local communities and the global ecosystem.